Rate of Mental Disorders Among Smokers Increasing

Smoking may be declining in the U.S., but there has been a rise in mental health disorders among those who do smoke, according to a recent study.

The research was based on 25,000 people who were born in the 1940s through the 1980s. The findings showed that people who started smoking in the 1980s were more likely to have mental conditions such as ADHD, bipolar disorder or personality disorders. Do you need alcohol and drug rehab in Wilmington? Keep reading to see how Legacy Freedom can help.

Mental Disorders and Smoking

Ardesheer Talati, an assistant professor of clinical neurobiology at Columbia University Medical Center and the New York State Psychiatric Institute and lead author of the study, said in a news release, "Our study confirms that recent smokers, though a relatively smaller group than those who started smoking decades ago, are more vulnerable to psychiatric and substance use disorders.”

In addition, the study found that the risk of those who will develop substance-abuse disorders increased each decade regardless of if participants were smokers or not.

Researchers concluded that teens and young adults who smoke may need mental health screening so that any problems can be addresses early on. If those at risk for mental disorders or potential to develop addition problems can be identified early on, they may be less likely to suffer the consequences of untreated mental disorders as well as avoid developing an addiction problem.

“These findings suggest that today’s adolescent and young adult smokers may benefit from mental health screening so that any related psychiatric or substance use problems can be identified and addressed early,” said Talati.

However, they noted that further research would be needed in order to link a correlation between smoking and mental health disorders. Other factors such as genetics and biology play a part in mental health and need to be addressed as well.

"Given that mental health problems are also predictive of unsuccessful efforts to reduce or quit smoking, these findings suggest that cessation efforts that treat both withdrawal from nicotine and underlying mental health conditions are increasingly crucial," said study co-author Katherine Keyes.

Another study conducted in 2007 found that in the past, tobacco was often used as a reward in psychiatric settings. For instance, outdoor smoke breaks were given as an incentive for good behavior. It’s less common these days, but patients aren’t always being told to stop smoking. Some patients believe that smoking helps them cope with symptoms.

Researchers found that people who smoke and who are in mental health recovery can have more depressive symptoms and a greater likelihood of suicidal behavior. The report noted that quitting smoking can help with other addictions.

Because smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and its affects are widely known to cause physical health problems, it is better to encourage a smoker to quit, whether or not he or she has a mental health disorder.

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Dealing with anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders can make you want to turn to alcohol or drugs to cope. If it has become a problem you can no longer manage, call us to talk about our treatment options. At Legacy Freedom Treatment Center of Wilmington, we offer a unique approach to recovery from addiction. Our programs include alternative therapies you won’t find anywhere else. We evaluate your situation in order to come up with a plan that meets your needs. Call us today to speak with an admissions counselor about the best alcohol and drug rehab in Wilmington.